Our children are our future. Education is at the heart at developing their skills and abilities and yet year after year we hear about the degrading state of our educational system. Our nation has spent trillions of dollars on failed programs that research and experts had promised would work. Achievement gaps persist, performance declines are accelerating and so it is of paramount importance that we explore novel ideas and solutions. You might not agree with many or any of the ideas below, and we certainly are not endorsing policies – our hope is just to create a space where bright, dedicated folks from the community can share their ideas – so that we can all come together and better understand each others experiences, concerns and how we might move forward together to build a brighter future.

Sheena Jeffers

I spent nearly two years sailing around the Caribbean. During these times, I realized how important world travel is for everyone as a key component to life’s education. Space philosopher and author Frank White talks about the “overview effect,” the impact of looking down at the Earth from above and how it can create a shift in the way astronauts view and think about our planet and life itself. Traveling has a similar impact: it shows us how big and how small our world is; it shows how we’re all different and yet so very similar. I wish everyone could go on a seafaring adventure to learn more about our planet, our societies and themselves. Read more>>

Ingrid Smith

In todays world it is crucial to prioritize the following subject that focus on the following: Teaching about empathy, digital literacy, meditation practices to promote mental health and stress Health education to cover physical, mental and emotional well being Exploring spirituality, understanding and respect Community service and volunteer work These changes could help students become well rounded, empathetic and responsible individuals in today’s and tomorrrow’s complex worl  Read more>>

Jose Romero

When I went to High School in Schenectady, NY my counselor placed me in the tech program. The tech program was funded by GE and introduced students to all facets of technology. I took classes in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and architecture. Not only because of the program, but also my teachers, I was shaped as an architect and studied at New York’s Pratt Institute. Not only are these programs fundamental to the development of a student, but also the teachers who are selected. This would improve in our school system with more funding of such programs and higher wages for our educators. Read more>>

Sid Sriram

I believe the education system needs to evolve to better prepare students for fulfilling lives and careers. One of the key changes I would advocate for is a shift away from rote memorization and standardized testing, toward fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. These skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern world, especially in fields that are constantly evolving like technology and AI. To truly prepare students, the system should incorporate more experiential learning opportunities—things like project-based learning, internships, and entrepreneurial experiences. These hands-on experiences would help students discover their passions, develop practical skills, and learn how to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. I believe that if students had the chance to work on real-world problems and collaborate across disciplines, they would not only be better prepared for their careers but also find more fulfillment in the process. Read more>>

Bria Evans

The educational system is evolving, and there is growing recognition that traditional approaches may not fully equip students for real-world success. One potential shift is the incorporation of a more dynamic learning model that includes business literacy as a fundamental part of the curriculum. By adding a semester dedicated to business fundamentals, students can gain practical knowledge that prepares them not only for the workforce but also for entrepreneurship, personal finance, and strategic thinking. Business literacy would offer students insights into essential topics such as financial management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and understanding how businesses operate. In a world where innovation and adaptability are key, a basic understanding of these concepts could empower students to make informed decisions about their careers and financial futures. This kind of hands-on learning builds skills they will use for life. Read more>>

Jen Swindler

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to place a much stronger emphasis on financial literacy. Understanding how our financial systems work and how to maintain a healthy personal financial situation is crucial for building a fulfilling life, yet these topics are largely overlooked. This gap in education leaves many people at a disadvantage, especially when you consider the different financial challenges that can arise due to one’s background or demographics. Personally, I had to obtain two degrees before I truly understood how to manage money effectively, how financial systems operate, and how to make sound financial decisions. I feel strongly that there is crucial information that should be more easily accessible to the general population. The lack of guidance early on felt like a huge disservice—one that forced me to take the long route to learning these life skills. I believe that if students were given a more comprehensive financial education, we could help them overcome financial challenges and create more equitable opportunities for success in both their personal and professional lives. Read more>>

Mari Haruno

As someone who was born and raised in Japan, I’ve truly felt a sense of difficulty in my daily life. Japan has a deeply ingrained tradition of “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down,” where conformity and following the crowd are seen as virtues. Being different or stepping out of the mold is often taught as something negative. However, I believe that being unique is a positive quality. Not only in Japan but around the world, education tends to focus heavily on “input”—the acquisition of knowledge. While input is crucial, it alone can lead to wasted potential if not paired with “output”—the application of that knowledge. It’s essential to create educational approaches that respect and encourage individual differences and viewpoints, allowing for natural and confident expression. Read more>>

Dr. Kenneth Nichols

In addressing the educational system, I would emphasize the foundational importance of reading, writing, and math, as these skills are essential across all career paths. Students graduate without a solid grasp of these core areas, which limits their opportunities and success. Therefore, I would advocate for three distinct curriculums tailored to students’ career aspirations—whether they intend to attend college, trade school, or join the military. 1. College-bound Curriculum: For students planning to attend college, the focus would remain on higher-level critical thinking, analytical skills, and abstract reasoning—advanced courses in reading comprehension, essay writing, and mathematical problem-solving. Additionally, research skills and exposure to varied disciplines would enhance their readiness for academic rigor. This curriculum would foster a broad intellectual foundation, encouraging curiosity, innovation, and leadership in their fields of study. Read more>>

Markus & Nikolas Fernandez

Something we’d change about the education system is focusing more on practical life skills and entrepreneurship. In school, we’ve learned a lot of things but not much about how to start and run a business. When we launched Classical Waves, we had to figure out things like marketing and budgeting on our own. It would’ve been helpful to have classes that taught us real-world skills like that. For example, when we were designing for Classical Waves, we had the creativity down but had no idea how to promote our brand or manage orders. We had to teach ourselves things through YouTube videos and trial and error. If schools had courses that helped students turn their ideas into reality, it would save a lot of stress and make careers like ours more accessible to everyone. Teaching kids how to balance school, business, and life is huge! We started Classical Waves while still in school, and juggling everything taught us that managing time and mental energy is key. If students were taught how to prioritize their goals and navigate the ups and downs of life early on, they’d be better set for whatever path they choose. Read more>>

Emma Rose Hanley

When I was in the public school system, I never took art classes because I figured there was no point in any creative pursuit because there was no way a sustainable income could be achieved through the arts. Not only is this false, but it negated the possibility to learn the most important thing art has to teach us; how to solve problems. I discovered ceramics at university and completely fell in love with the material, and then decided to pursue a career in arts education. I was finally practicing art regularly, and I learned that an education in the arts is not an education of how to correctly use materials, or make a piece of art in a certain way; arts education is a continual process of creating an idea, running into issues, and learning how to problem solve around them. To me, arts education is the most important because it teaches you how to chase an idea, and how to solve your way around every problem that comes in the pursuit of a particular vision. I’ve had to overcome broken sculptures, building pedestals with no experience, using wood shop tools I had no experience in, mixing my own glazes to get the perfect finishes, and most importantly getting a piece out of a kiln and hating it, and learning exactly how to fix it.  Read more>>